Scientists have confirmed the discovery of an underground river running underneath the Tiber at depths between 30 and 60 metres below ground level.

Among the discoverers is Franco Barberi, vulcanologist and ex-head of the civil protection force. According to Barberi, the river runs several hundred metres wider than the Tiber in a narrow cavity formed by two layers of impermeable rock. The water is heated naturally by geothermal energy and maintains an average temperature of 20 degrees C.

Barberi said in a radio interview that it would be relatively simple to pump the water to the surface in order to heat and air condition houses, or even for energy.